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• Five teams advanced!

  09Mar
  Categories: Australia, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, México, Netherlands, Pool B, Pool C, Pool D, Venezuela, WBC2006 Comments: 1

  Anothr five teams advanced to the second round today, with Mexico in Pool B, Cuba and Puerto Rico in Pool C, Dominican Republic and Venezuela in Pool D. As for the final spot, Canada or USA have final chance depends on the result of USA vs. South Africa game.

  Pool B:
  Mexico 9, Canada 1

  MEXICO          - 420 201 000   --   9
  CANADA          - 000 001 000   --   1
  

  The Canadians came, they saw and they almost conquered. During a roller-coaster three-day run in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, Team Canada had to come from behind in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat a plucky South Africa team, then upset Team USA, but fizzled when all the Canadian dollars were on the line on Thursday night against Mexico. Losing to the Mexicans, 9-1, with a chance to wrap up a berth in the second round a day after beating the Americans.

  When he travels in his native Mexico, Jorge Cantu hears one sport talked about more than any other. Team Mexico delivered that message on Thursday night, when it beat Canada, 9-1, to advance to the World Baseball Classic’s second round as Pool B’s No. 1 seed.

  Pool C:
  Cuba 11, Netherlands 2

  CUBA            - 200 400 401   --  11
  NETHERLANDS     - 000 002 000   --   2

  The Netherlands’ hopes of advancing in the World Baseball Classic came to an end on Thursday night, as Cuba mashed its way to an 11-2 victory to lock up a spot in the second round of the tournament.

  If there was ever any doubt that Cuba could compete in a tournament that featured the best teams it had ever faced, the club removed it with an extra-inning victory against Panama in its first game. Any remaining questions were obliterated Thursday with Cuba’s win against the Netherlands. More questions? Doubts, perhaps? The Cubans sure hope so.

  Pool D:
  Dominican Republic 8, Italy 3
  

  ITALY           - 102 000 000   --   3
  DOMINICAN REP   - 202 030 10x   --   8
  

  The Dominican Republic performed as expected on Thursday, outslugging team Italy in an 8-3 win before a sellout crowd of 9,949 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. This means the Dominican advances to the next round of the World Baseball Classic. This also will likely end Italy’s Classic run.

  Burdened with two errors by third baseman Mark Saccomanno at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex on Thursday afternoon, Italy closed its schedule in Pool D with loss to the Dominican Republic. However, Team Italy has no reason to be ashamed. But it appears its run in the inaugural World Baseball Classic has come to an end.

  Venezuela 2, Australia 0

  VENEZUELA       - 010 001 000   --   2
  AUSTRALIA       - 000 000 000   --   0
  

  It wasn’t supposed to be this close, and if ever there was a moral victory, this probably was it. Although Venezuela prevailed over Australia, 2-0, the losing club made this contest much more competitive than anyone could have expected.

  The last leg of the initial journey had a few more bumps than expected. But Venezuela emerged victorious against a pesky Australian team and punched its ticket into the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

• World Baseball Classic all over begins!

  07Mar
  Categories: Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Italy, México, Panama, Pool B, Pool C, Pool D, Puerto Rico, South Africa, USA, Venezuela, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  Pool B, C, D of the 2006 World Baseball Classic started to fight today, there are five intense games to play, the biggest suprise is Italy; who gets the help from Major Leaguers and itself, shutout the 2004 Athens Olympic Silver Winner Australia. Other winners are United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Dominican Republic.

  March 7 Result:
  Pool B:
  United States 2, Mexico 0

  MEXICO          - 000 000 000   --   0
  USA             - 000 100 10x   --   2
  

  Jake Peavy and a parade of relievers combined on a four-hitter against a lineup loaded with major-leaguers Tuesday, leading the United States to a 2-0 victory over Mexico in its World Baseball Classic debut. Home runs by Derrek Lee and Chipper Jones were all that was necessary on offense.

  “I never would have said this yesterday,” Lee said after the World Baseball Classic opener for both teams, “but today, being on the field, I think this means more. It’s like Jake Peavy said, ‘You’re not playing for your city, you’re playing for your country.’ When you have your country behind you, there’s a lot of responsibility. There’s no monetary motivation for this. Guys came to this team to play for their country. It’s as simple as that.”

  Canada 11, South Africa 8

  CANADA          - 000 030 404   --  11
  SOUTH AFRICA    - 000 040 130   --   8
  

  Canada narrowly avoided a startling loss in its World Baseball Classic debut, rallying for four runs in the top of the ninth inning to beat South Africa 11-8 Tuesday night.

  “I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel [worried] going into the ninth inning,” Canada third baseman Corey Koskie said. “But one of the great things about baseball is I knew we had a good chance.” “Everyone was putting out to the end. We were going after it.”

  Pool C:
  Puerto Rico 2, Panama 1

  PANAMA          - 000 100 000   --   1
  PUERTO RICO     - 000 020 00x   --   2
  

  Puerto Rico’s first game in the World Baseball Classic was a tougher test than many expected. Bernie Williams hit a tiebreaking single, Alex Rios homered and Team Puerto Rico made its WBC debut with a 2-1 victory over Panama.

  “I felt like I was playing the World Series in March,” Williams said. “It was a great feeling. There is something very special about playing in my country, in my hometown. People chanting my name was a very special feeling for me. I will treasure that.”

  Pool D:
  Dominican Republic 11, Venezuela 5

  DOMINICAN REP   - 020 040 005   --  11
  VENEZUELA       - 000 121 100   --   5
  

  2005 AL Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon vs. Johan Santana, the 2004 AL Cy Young winner, but hitters took the show. David Ortiz and Adrian Beltre each homered twice, leading a powerful Dominican team to an 11-5 victory over Venezuela in their World Baseball Classic opener.

  The fans were seemingly split 50-50 between their allegiances to their native countries. Equally enthusiastic, Dominican and Venezuelan fans proudly waved their respective flags and cheered loudly throughout the contest, whether it was for home runs, groundouts or fly balls.

  Italy 10, Australia 0

  AUSTRALIA       - 000 000 0  --   0
  ITALY           - 031 122 1  --  10
  

  Mike Piazza doubled and scored a run and Jason Grilli was almost perfect in 4 2/3 innings of work, leading Italy to a 10-0 victory over Australia in the first round of the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night.

  “This is what we talked about when we were in a group,” Italy manager Matt Galante said. “We want to show the world we can play. And how well we do, time will tell. But we feel we can compete, and if you can compete, you’ve got a chance. That’s what I keep saying.”

• Tejada prepared

  25Dec
  Categories: Dominican Republic, México, Pool B, Pool D, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  To prepare for World Baseball Classic, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, who had previously said he would sit out this winter season, already started to bat for one team of his native Dominican Republic.

  “I don’t want to hang around doing nothing at home,” Tejada said, before his debut as a designated hitter with the Aguilas Cibaenas. “I’m going to start playing today to get myself in shape.”

  Tejada, 29, signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles before the 2004 season. He hit .304 with 26 home runs and 98 RBIs this season.

  Tejada hit 3-1 and drove in two runs Thursday, but Cibaenas lost 7-5 to the Leones del Escogido.

  The Dominican World Baseball Classic team will be loaded with talented sluggers, including Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano.

  “I have to (play) not only for me but for my family,” said Tejada, who was born in Bani, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Santo Domingo.

  In the mean time, Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher Oliver Perez, who also plan to pitch for his native country Mexico in World Baseball Classic, is also active in Winter League.

  He said he does not expect to attend the Pirates’ voluntary minicamp during Jan. 10-15 in Bradenton, Florida, because it collides with Mexican playoffs.

• Pedro’s Toe Hurting, Still hopes to play WBC

  20Dec
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool D, WBC2006 Comments: 1

  
  After nearly three months of rest, New York Mets starting pitcher Pedro Martinez’s right toe is still hurting and influence his throwing program, but he still hopes to pitch the inaugural World Baseball Classic next March.

  At a gala dinner held for major league players by Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, Martinez said that he has used a protective shoe but still feels a little pain. “This worries me a little because generally by this time of the year I’m already throwing.”

  Recently General manager Omar Minaya said he was aware of no new development involving the condition of the Martinez. During the Winter Meetings, Minaya expressed no concern about Martinez but said the condition of the pitcher’s toe was being monitored and that trainer Ray Ramirez, who had also visited Martinez in the Dominican, was in regular contact.

  Because the toe issue, Martinez hadn’t yet received permission from the Mets to begin training, but he expected to have that permission “soon.”

  Martinez, 34, who went 15-8 with a 2.82 ERA last season, still hopes to pitch in the inaugural World Baseball Classic or playing in the Winter League. “I want to participate and, if were up to me, I’m 100 percent committed to the classic and to the Dominican Republic, but it will depend on my health,” he said.

  The Mets have supported the WBC and have not opposed their players participating in it. But they also have spoken of the risk involved.

  According to New York Times, Martinez’s priority is being ready for opening day, and the Mets may not be willing to let him risk injury by pitching in the World Baseball Classic.

• A-Rod leans to Dominican Republic

  14Dec
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool B, Pool D, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 3

  
  New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez probably will play for the Dominican Republic over USA in inaugural World Baseball Classic next spring.

  When the Major League Baseball announced players who commitments to play World Baseball Classic during Winter Meeting, Rodriguez, who was born in New York but his parents are Dominican, listed “Undecided” and is eligible to play for both the Dominican Republic and the United States.

  “That seems to be pretty much where I’m leaning,” Rodriguez said during an interview on WFAN radio. “I think it’s going to be the team I’m going to represent, kind of like what (Mike) Piazza’s doing with Italy.”

  If Rodriguez joined Dominican Republic, it will add more power to the lineup, which already includes stars like Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano.

  “I think the Latino teams are going to have a major advantage, I know the guys in the Dominican are taking this real seriously.” Rodriguez said. “I think that American team might take it more like an exhibition and these guys are kind of playing for their religion down there, the pride of their country.”

  Talking about injuries concern, Rodriguez said. “I am excited and a little nervous, about obviously guys getting injured,” “That time of year you pull a hamstring and you are out three to four weeks. That may impact the whole season. I mean, you may have some type of ill effect going into even June or July.”

  But he still wants to play. “I only know how to play one way once I’m between the lines. I love to compete, I love to play, and I’m going to go all out.”

  Rodriguez is one of three Yankees to commit to play, joining second baseman Robinson Cano (Dominican Republic) and shortstop Derek Jeter (United States). Catcher Jorge Posada wanted to play for Puerto Rico, but the Yankees blocked him from participating. Other players like Hideki Matsui, Chien Ming Wang still undecided about whether to play or not.

  A-Rod, who is well-known for his strenuous offseason workout, will begin baseball activity earlier than usual. Instead of beginning his hitting work around Jan. 1, as usual, he plans to step into the cage in the next 10 days. “There is definitely a sense of urgency for me to get ready a little earlier,” Rodriguez said. “To get more game ready, start throwing earlier.”

  Rodriguez’s spokesman, Steve Fortunato, said the decision will be made by Major League Baseball and the players’ association. “Alex’s comments are based on discussions with the tournament organizers,” Fortunato said. “The organizers are ultimately going to recommend what team Alex should be placed on, and he would follow that. We’re waiting to see what that is. He wants to do whatever is best for tournament.”

  A-Rod leaning toward Dominican
  A-Rod likely picking Dominican team over U.S.
  HE WON’T BE U.S.A-ROD

• Griffey agrees to play

  13Dec
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool B, Pool C, Pool D, Puerto Rico, USA, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  
  After more consideration, Cincinnati Reds center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. agreed to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic next spring if he is selected by Team USA.

  The 36-year-old Griffey originally did not decide if he will play or not, said yes to U.S. Team. He batted .301 with 35 HRs and 92 RBIs in 2005, which earned him National League Comeback Player of the Year honors.

  Griffey’s father, Ken Griffey Sr., former major leaguer and special consultant of general manager Dan O’Brien, will be the first-base coach for U.S. team. “First of all, it is good competition because of all the countries involved in something like that,” Griffey Sr. said. “The other thing that intrigued me is it gets me back in uniform and out on the field.”

  Other Cincinnati players include outfielder Adam Dunn (U.S.), shortstop Felipe Lopez (Puerto Rico), outfielder Wily Mo Pena (Dominican Republic) and catcher Javier Valentin (Puerto Rico) previously agreed to play in the 16-team international tournament.

  The 26-year-old Dunn batted .247 with 40 home runs and 101 RBIs, his second straight 40-homer season. Lopez batted .291 with 23 homers and 85 RBIs, was a first-time All-Star in 2005. The 30-year-old Valentin batted .281 with 14 homers and 50 RBIs in 76 games as backup catcher. Pena batted .254 with 19 homers and 51 RBIs in 99 games in 2005.

  “To be named on that list, it’s kind of recognition,” Dunn said. “It’s exciting.” “It’s one of those things where when it’s the first time of doing something, everyone is kind of anxious to see how it’s going to work out,” Dunn said. “I’m definitely interested in playing. I’m really not sure how it will work out. It definitely will be tougher for pitchers than position players.”

  The World Baseball Classic will take place March 3-20. Sixty-man rosters must be submitted by Jan. 17, and the 30-man rosters must be finalized 24 hours before the start of the tournament.

  If players were selected to play for their countries, they will leave the clubs during Spring Training. Since Cincinnati might lose three outfielders during most time in Sarasota camp, they need extra preparation.

  “This is something new, something different,” Reds manager Jerry Narron said. “I don’t think anyone knows the perfect way of doing it.” “You don’t know how long a player will be involved in the tournament, depending on how far their individual team advances,” General Manager Dan O’Brien said. “We’re prepared for that.”

  Reds plans to hold a Minor League mini-camp shortly before Spring Training to identify players who could fill in on the big-league club for exhibition games.

  Junior available for Team USA
  Griffey agrees to play in World Baseball Classic
  Griffey says he’ll play in World Baseball Classic

• Sammy Sosa wants to play for Dominican Republic

  09Dec
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool D, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Outfielder Sammy Sosa said he wants to play for Dominican Republic in inaugural World Baseball Classic next March.

  “It would be a great honor to represent my country,” Sosa said.

  The 37-year-old slugger is not on the list of players that MLB announce on December 5th. He said he would formally announce his participation after signing with a new major league team for next season. Baltimore Orioles said last month that they do not plan to bring him back after he struggled in 2005.

  “Like all athletes, I had a year with ups and downs, but I feel well enough physically and mentally to return next year and put up the numbers everyone expects,” said Sosa, who hit .221 with 14 homers and 45 RBI in 102 games during an injury-shortened season.

  Other Dominican stars who have already announced their intention to play in the Classic include Albert Pujols, Alfonso Soriano, David Ortiz, Miguel Tejada, Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez, and Alex Rodriguez might join Dominican if he decided not to play for USA.

  If Sosa play, he might have to hit at the bottom of the lineup or come off the bench.

  Sosa to play for Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic
  Sosa Wants to Play for Dominican Republic

• 177 MLB Players agree to play

  05Dec
  Categories: Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, México, Netherlands, Panama, Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, Pool D, Puerto Rico, USA, Venezuela, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  At the beginning of Winter Meeting, Major League Baseball lease a list of 177 major league players, representing all 30 teams who have agreed to participate in World Baseball Classic next spring.

  “This is going to be the most important international baseball event ever staged,” MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said. “The game’s best players will compete for their home countries. New and old fans throughout the world will have the opportunity to enjoy our great game and see many of baseball’s best players competing in this historic event.”

  Players planning to represent Japan, China, South Korea or Taiwan are expected to be announced later this week at a news conference in Asia.

  The designated hitter rule will be used and there will be limitations on pitch counts, but the number has not been decided yet. All players will be tested under the Olympic drug policy although a positive test for the WBC will not count under MLB’s new steroid policy.

  “The International Baseball Federation has endorsed and has sanctioned the event,” Players Association COO Gene Orza said. “They would not do that were the tournament not conducted under the rules of the IBF in respect to other Olympic or international events as it relates to drug testing.”

  Only Italy, Cuba and South Africa have yet to announce a manager. John Deeble (Australia), Ernie Whitt (Canada), Jim Lefebvre (China), Hua-Wei Lin (Chinese Taipei), Manny Acta (Dominican Republic), Sadaharu Oh (Japan), In-Sik Kim (Korea), Paquin Estrada (Mexico), Robert Eenhoorn (Netherlands), Roberto Kelly (Panama), Jose Oquendo (Puerto Rico) and Luis Sojo (Venezuela) already had been named to lead their countries.

  “It is no secret that we have had some discussion with the Cubans that has made us feel very, very confident that they will play,” Orza said. “I believe the Cubans will play.”

  Below is the list of players who have agreed to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. A player has agreed to participate does not guarantee that he will be on the final 30-man roster, which must include at least 13 pitchers and three catchers.

  Australia:
  Adrian Burnside, Trent Durrington, Justin Huber, John Stephens, Glenn Williams

  Canada:
  Jason Bay, Erik Bedard, Rheal Cormier, Jesse Crain, Jeff Francis, Eric Gagne, Steve Green, Aaron Guiel, Shawn Hill, Corey Koskie, Pete LaForest, Adam Loewen, Russ Martin, Cody McKay, Justin Morneau, Pete Orr, Paul Quantrill, Chris Reitsma, Matt Stairs, Scott Thorman

  Dominican Republic:
  Antonio Alfonseca, Ronnie Belliard, Adrian Beltre, Eude Brito, Juan Brito, Daniel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, Alberto Castillo, Jesus Colome, Bartolo Colon, Francisco Cordero, Pedro Feliz, Franklyn German, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martinez, Jose Lima, David Ortiz, Wily Mo Pena, Neifi Perez, Placido Polanco, Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, Felix Rodriguez, Duaner Sanchez, Alfonso Soriano, Julian Tavarez, Miguel Tejada, Robinson Tejeda, Salomon Torres

  Italy:
  Frank Catalanotto, Mark DeRosa, David Dellucci, Mike DiFelice, Tony Fiore, Mike Gallo, Jason Grilli, Matt Mantei, Frank Menechino, Doug Mirabelli, Val Pascucci, Mike Piazza, Joe Vitello, Pete Zoccolillo

  Mexico:
  Alfredo Amezaga, Luis Ayala, Rigo Beltran, Jorge Cantu, Vinny Castilla, Juan Castro, Elmer Dessens, Gerardo Garcia, Karim Garcia, Luis Garcia, Edgar Gonzalez, Edgar Huerta, Esteban Loaiza, Rodrigo Lopez, Miguel Ojeda, Antonio Osuna, Oliver Perez, Roberto Ramirez, Dennys Reyes, Ricardo Rincon, Oscar Robles, Ismael Valdez, Oscar Villareal

  Netherlands:
  Andruw Jones

  Panama:
  Bruce Chen, Carlos Lee, Jose Macias, Carlos Ruiz

  Puerto Rico:
  Sandy Alomar Jr., Carlos Baerga, Carlos Beltran, Kiko Calero, Alex Cintron, Jose Cruz Jr., Carlos Delgado, Jose Hernandez, Ricky Ledee, Felipe Lopez, Mike Lowell, Luis Matos, Joel Pineiro, Ivan Rodriguez, J.C. Romero, Rey Sanchez, Jorge Sosa, Andres Torres, Javier Valentin, Javier Vazquez, Jose Vidro, Bernie Williams

  United States:
  Michael Barrett, Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Barry Bonds, Mark Buehrle, Eric Chavez, Roger Clemens, Chad Cordero, Carl Crawford, Johnny Damon, Adam Dunn, Brian Fuentes, Ken Griffey Jr., Eddie Guardado, Roy Halladay, Jason Isringhausen, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Todd Jones, Derrek Lee, Al Leiter, Brad Lidge, Joe Mauer, Jake Peavy, Andy Pettitte, Juan Pierre, Jimmy Rollins, B.J. Ryan, C.C. Sabathia, Brian Schneider, Ben Sheets, John Smoltz ,Huston Street, Mark Teixeira, Chase Utley, Jason Varitek, Billy Wagner, Vernon Wells, Dontrelle Willis, David Wright, Michael Young, Barry Zito

  Venezuela:
  Bobby Abreu, Edgardo Alfonzo, Henry Blanco, Miguel Cairo, Giovanni Carrara, Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen, Melvin Mora, Tomas Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Omar Vizquel, Carlos Zambrano, Victor Zambrano

  Undecided
  a- Alex Rodriguez b- Marco Scutaro
  a- eligible to play for both the Dominican Republic and the United States b- eligible to play for both Italy and Venezuela.

  Players agreeing to participate in World Baseball Classic
  All 30 MLB teams to be represented at World Baseball Classic
  WBC Rosters By Country
  Big names expected at World Baseball Classic
  Major League Stars Sign Up for World Baseball Classic

• Acta lead Dominican Republic

  15Nov
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool D, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Manny Acta , third-base coach of New York Mets, was selected to be the manager of Dominican Republic’s team for inaugural World Baseball Classic next spring.

  “I feel grateful and happy that the Mets … are giving me the opportunity to manage for my country,” Acta said. Acta also said he will soon meet with Dominican general manager Stan Javier to discuss the tournament.

  The 16-nation, 18-day World Baseball Classic will start on March 3, and Dominican Republic will compete in Group D with Venezuela, Australia and Italy.

  Acta to manage Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic
  Mets 3B coach Acta to manage DR in Baseball Classic

• Colon likes to play if healthy

  09Nov
  Categories: Dominican Republic, Pool D, WBC2006 Comments: 0

  Bartolo Colon, American League Cy Young Winner, is expected to be ready for spring training and hopes to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the inaugural World Baseball Classic if healthy.

  Two Angel trainers examined Colon and performed strength tests on his shoulder recently. While his back is fine, he won’t know about the state of his shoulder until he started a rehabilitation and light throwing program, which begin next week.

  “It’s hard to say right now [how the shoulder is] because I’m not throwing,” Colon said. “But I know my back is feeling better.”

  Colon reportedly has been picked to represent the Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic next March but is waiting to see how his strained right shoulder responds before deciding if he’ll pitch.

  “Pitching in the World Classic is contingent on how his shoulder feels and how his rehab goes,” Manager Mike Scioscia said on the conference call. “We’ll see how he progresses.”

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